Interview with Glenn Debattista – Chief Operating Officer at BetStarters

AffPapa interviewed the Chief Operating Officer at BetStarters, Glenn Debattista, who discussed the company’s innovative solutions, global operations and future ambitions.
Yeva: What was it about BetStarters that attracted you, Glenn, and how does your position as COO challenge and motivate you?
What attracted me to BetStarters was its bold vision to provide innovative and scalable iGaming solutions tailored to operators’ needs, regardless of their size or market. The company’s commitment to agility and client-first strategies resonated with me. As COO, the role challenges me to constantly innovate, adapt to evolving market demands, and foster collaboration across departments. It’s incredibly motivating to know that the decisions I make contribute directly to our partners’ success and growth. It is also a great opportunity for me to grow and learn more about this amazing industry.
Yeva: As the COO, how do you coordinate the integration of all functions on the platform for a better operator experience?
Coordination starts with ensuring seamless communication across our teams, from product development to marketing and customer support. We prioritise a user-centric approach by gathering operator feedback at every stage of platform development. We also ensure that each function aligns with our strategic objectives, whether it’s streamlining integrations with PSPs, enhancing UX, or ensuring regulatory compliance. This holistic approach ensures that operators experience a platform that is not only powerful but also intuitive and reliable.
Yeva: BetStarters operates in many different locations, spanning across Africa, Europe, and Latin America. How do you keep your global operations efficient in these different and diverse markets?
Efficiency in diverse markets requires a localised strategy while maintaining a global framework. Leveraging scalable technology allows us to standardize core processes, while flexible modular solutions let us adapt to local needs. Regular communication ensures alignment with our global objectives while allowing each market to thrive on its unique strengths.
Yeva: Speaking of diverse markets, have you experienced any challenges when operating in specific locations?
Absolutely. Each market has its own set of challenges. In Africa, for example, the variability in internet infrastructure can impact platform performance, requiring us to innovate with lightweight, efficient solutions. However, these challenges drive us to adapt and refine our solutions, making us more versatile as a company.
Yeva: With the global growth of BetStarters, what do you believe to be the most optimal way to handle expanding operations and still offer quality service?
The key is scalability without compromising personalisation. As we grow, we invest heavily in our technology infrastructure and automation to ensure our operations remain efficient. Regular training, robust internal communication, and a commitment to continuous improvement ensure that our teams remain equipped to deliver exceptional service at scale.
Yeva: Given that 2024 came to an end, can you share some of the milestones that BetStarters has on its must-achieve list for the upcoming year?
2025 will be a pivotal year for us. Some key milestones include expanding our presence in emerging markets and strengthening our partnerships to ensure we remain at the forefront of this industry.
Yeva: Elaborating on the topic of the future, how does BetStarters want to impact the iGaming industry in the long run?
Our long-term goal is to be a catalyst for innovation and sustainability in the iGaming industry. We aim to set new benchmarks in technology, user experience, and responsible gaming. By fostering a culture of collaboration with our operators, we aspire to create an ecosystem where businesses thrive while maintaining ethical and regulatory standards.
Yeva: Lastly, can you think of one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? Something unrelated to your professional life.
Most people are surprised to learn that at one point (over 20 years ago) I used to be in a band, where we also recorded a mini-album and had a song played on radio!
Company: BetStarters
Interviewee: Glenn Debattista
Date: 22.01.2025